Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, made official one of the worst-kept secrets in Kentucky on Thursday by announcing that he would not seek an eighth term in office. The writing had been on the wall for months: He stepped down from his longtime position as Republican leader in January, has had multiple concerning health episodes and voted against three of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees — more than any other member of the GOP Conference.
Given that open Senate seats are rare, plenty of Bluegrass State Republicans will take a look. But the open governor’s race in 2027 could also be a draw for ambitious politicians. Rep. James Comer (KY-01) seems more drawn to that opportunity in Frankfort and would probably pass on a Senate bid.
Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the GOP’s unsuccessful 2023 nominee against Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, was the first major candidate to announce a campaign. Cameron is a McConnell protege and has long been viewed as a possible successor. Yet, Cameron’s connection to McConnell, who is deeply unpopular with the MAGA wing of the party,
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